Inspection and Verification - Dual Generators

WARNING:
^ BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
^ BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. THEREFORE, DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY, ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES. ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION.
^ WHEN LIFTING A PLASTIC-CASED BATTERY, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE END WALLS COULD CAUSE ACID TO SPEW THROUGH THE VENT CAPS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO THE BATTERY. LIFT WITH A BATTERY CARRIER OR WITH YOUR HANDS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS.

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the concern.

Visual Inspection Chart:

2. Inspect to determine if one of the mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
3. If the inspection reveals obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as necessary.
4. Measure the open circuit battery voltage. If the battery voltage is less than 12.0 volts, test and recharge the battery before continuing with diagnosis.
5. Observe charging system warning indicator status under the following conditions:
^ The charging system warning indicator will illuminate with the ignition switch in RUN and the engine OFF.
^ The charging system warning indicator will be OFF with the engine running.
^ The charging system warning indicator will be OFF with the ignition switch OFF.

Normal Charging System Voltage:

6. Check the battery voltage before and after starting the engine to determine if the battery voltage increases. Refer to the Normal Charging System Voltages chart.

NOTE:
^ The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) requires three key cycles so that the PCM can re-learn the configuration.
^ On California vehicles the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate if the lower generator circuit has 12 volts which the PCM has commanded it off for two consecutive drive cycles.

7. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the vehicle selection cannot be entered:
^ Check that the program card is correctly installed.
^ Check the connections to the vehicle.
^ Check the ignition switch position.

8. If the diagnostic tool still does not allow the vehicle selection to be entered, refer to the diagnostic tool manual.
9. If any PCM DTCs are retrieved, go to the powertrain control module index to check if the codes retrieved are related to the charging system and to continue diagnostics. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
10. If no DTCs related to the charging system are retrieved, go to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. Diagnosis By Symptom - Dual Generators